Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Next Big Chore

Posted on by Laurie

I managed to get our roses bushes pruned a few weeks ago, which was a little early for pruning, but I wanted to get the yard spruced up for a wedding. Now the next big chore is pruning the rest of our shrubs: hydrangeas*, crape myrtles, several varieties of spirea, viburnums, sand cherries, beauty berries, boxwoods, mugo pines, cedars and junipers. No wonder that it seems like a lot to do! 

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This is a hydrangea grandiflora paniculata which blooms best with severe blooming in the spring. It is definitely worth the work!

* Note, spring-blooming hydrangeas should be pruned after blooming. Those that bloom in summer and autumn should be pruned in spring.

Time for More Basil

Posted on by Laurie

Back in early October, we had unseasonably cold weather.  So I snipped about a dozen branches from the basil plants in my garden and put them into water, hoping to extend their usable life by a few weeks. To my surprise they rooted and thrived in my kitchen. (I was surprised because I have never had luck keeping potted basil plants inside.) To my even greater surprise, I was able to keep them going for six months … well at least one of them. Because I used their leaves all winter, I am down to the last stem on my last branch. They were incredibly easy to keep going. I just changed the water and washed out the jars about once a week. What a wonderful, unexpected run of fresh basil. It is still too early to put new plants into the ground, as basil is not very cold hardy. However, I can start a few pots and just bring them in when the temperatures are about to dip too low. Yay! No need to be without this wonderful herb!

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Have a lovely weekend!

Sunrise On High

Posted on by Laurie

It was a beautiful sunrise this morning. So during breakfast, I took a minute to dash to the top of our fire escape to grab a few photos. This was one of my favorites. I hope that you are having a lovely day!

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Dried Marilyn

Posted on by Laurie

With a day so gorgeous, I decided it was worth a second post. This picture is of a Marilyn Monroe rose dried on the bush. I leave the flowers on my rose bushes at the end of the gardening season as a reminder that once winter passes, they shall bloom lushly once again.

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I hope that you, too, are getting to enjoy the weekend!

Siberian Iris Seedpods

Posted on by Laurie

Today is just one of those winter days to be treasured. The sky is an intense cyan blue; and with temperatures in the mid-50’s F,  it feels almost balmy. I had to take the opportunity to go out into my garden and take some photos. This was my favorite of the afternoon.

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Have a beautiful day!

Stalwart Watcher

Posted on by Laurie

I’ll confess – I didn’t want to spend too much time taking photos outside today. I’m more of a fair-weather photographer. The rain, sleet and hail, have done a good job of turning into snow – for now; but I thought that I’d share this shot from earlier today, when, we were still having a bit of everything coming down. Brrr … what a cold, gray, wet day. Ah, how nice to be back inside with some hot tea! 

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Well, That’s Kansas Weather …

Posted on by Laurie

Just a few days ago, it was nearly 70 F degrees here in Manhattan, and the balmy temperatures melted away almost all of our snow. But so far today we have had thunder, hail, rain, snow and sleet; and yet it is supposed to go up to 47 here this afternoon. Well, that’s Kansas weather for you. At least we aren’t getting hit by the blizzard that has moved in to the west of us!

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Wherever you are, may your day be lovely!

Valentines’ Mocha

Posted on by Laurie

A special after-dinner coffee made with dark chocolate and chocolate vodka. Don’t forget to dip your strawberry in the whipped cream before drinking! Happy Valentine’s Day!

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Valentines’ Mocha (serves 2)

1 c. fresh-brewed, good decaf coffee

1 oz. dark chocolate

1 oz. chocolate vodka

1 T. dark brown sugar

1/4 c. heavy cream

2 large, ripe strawberries (cleaned and stemmed)

cinnamon sugar

1. Place coffee, chocolate, vodka and dark brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until chocolate and brown sugar are melted and blended into the coffee.

2. Meanwhile, whip cream until it holds soft peaks.

3. Pour coffee into two glass coffee mugs. Garnish mugs with strawberries. Top with whipped cream and cinnamon sugar. Serve immediately. Enjoy!